A Private Affair

by Dara Girard

  He stood, resting a hand on his chest. “I’m not the enemy here. I’m only trying to help you keep your dignity. I’ve noticed how you’ve looked at Riverton and I’m not the only one. Make sure he doesn’t notice or you’ll get hurt. You’re not used to men like him. The truth is, he’s a cold son of a bitch who’d never give you the time of day.” He turned and walked out the door.

  Once he left, Carissa buried her face in her hands, her cheeks burning. He does like me! she wanted to say. Did they really think she’d changed her look just to get his attention? For the last several days, she’d felt attractive and confident and now she realized everyone just saw her as a pathetic woman pining after her boss. Was she being that obvious? She didn’t think she was. Did they think so low of her that they couldn’t accept that a new look meant she felt better about herself? Maybe she should stop. He’d be leaving in a couple of months anyway and she wasn’t keeping their relationship secret very well. It didn’t even feel like their secret anymore with people not believing he’d ever be interested in her. He played his role well. No one suspected there was any interest on his side.

  Carissa rested her head on her desk and groaned. She’d worked hard to build her reputation and in just a few weeks she’d put it in jeopardy.

  Someone knocked on the door.

  She lifted her head off her desk, straightened her hair and said in a bright voice, “Come in,”

  Kenric entered.

  She jumped to her feet and said in a rush. “You shouldn’t be here.”

  He looked at her startled. “Why not? I came for the employee files we discussed in the meeting.”

  “Oh yes, right. Sorry.” She sat back down, typed some information into her computer. “I just sent you softcopies.” She rushed over to her metal file cabinet, searched through it and pulled out several manila files. “And here are the hardcopies,” she said, handing them to him.

  “Thank you. You seem…rushed.”

  “I just don’t want to waste your time.”

  “You’d never do that.” He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I’ll have to reschedule lunch.”

  “That’s okay. I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

  “What?”

  “It’s been fun but—”

  His gaze sharpened. “What happened? Did someone find out?”

  “Sort of.”

  “Who?”

  She moved away from him, being near him was too distracting. “It’s nobody’s fault.” She sat down behind her desk, grateful for the barrier. “I’m the problem. I haven’t been able to play our relationship as cool as you and others are starting to notice. People are talking. It’s a pride thing for me,” she said embarrassed. “Nobody can believe that a man like you would be interested in me.”

  He frowned, confused. “Why not?”

  “Remember what your brother said?”

  His tone hardened. “Don’t bring my brother into this.”

  “It’s silly really,” she said forcing a laugh. “I mean, what are we doing anyway? You’ll soon be gone and I’ll be the pathetic HR director who’d lusted after her boss. After a couple months I’ll get my reputation back and—”

  Kenric rested his fists on the desk and leaned forward. “Do you want me to make it formal?”

  “Formal?”

  “Yes, do you want me to take you out publicly?”

  “No, that will be worse.” She looked up at him, fear on her face.

  He looked at her stunned. “How could it be worse?”

  “Then they’ll really think I’m desperate to keep my job.”

  “What’s wrong with this place? What’s wrong with a man being interested in an attractive woman? I’ve looked at the legal stipulations and there’s nothing against us dating. And although I am the boss, I’m only here temporarily so I won’t be your boss for long. I’ve know guys who’ve dated their employees and—”

  Carissa didn’t allow herself to dwell on the compliment. “It’s different here. I told you, right now is a delicate time and the rumors are the fiercest when people are tense and unsure. I have to live here, you don’t. Please.”

  Kenric rubbed his chin. “I don’t like this.”

  She sighed resigned. “I know. So we have to stop.”

  “I don’t want to stop. So what’s your other plan?”

  She paused. She hadn’t expected him to fight her. He was a reasonable and rational man. They were having fun, but she knew it wasn’t meant to last. “I didn’t think I needed one.”

  His phone rang. He looked at it. “I have to get this.” He looked at her. “This discussion isn’t over. I’ll call you.”

  “Promise you won’t say anything to anyone until you talk to me,” she said.

  He opened the door and answered the phone. “Riverton,” he said before leaving.

  She should have known not to try for a promise. He wasn’t the type. But she hoped with time he’d see her side. What were they doing? The relationship wasn’t going to go anywhere. Why try to hide something that wouldn’t last?

  Exactly, because it wouldn’t last, her mind said. Who cared what anyone else thought if she was having the time of her life? Who cared what they said behind her back as long as she was happy? Was she really ready to throw it all away because of what Nathan said? She didn’t respect him that much and being with Kenric was wonderful.

  Was it so wrong to wish that she could show him off a bit? To be able to say ‘He’s with me’? Sure, her desire stemmed from her pride, but wasn’t she allowed a little of it?

  ***

  “Uh, oh. What did you do?” Sara asked when she stopped by to check on Carissa.

  Carissa left her front door open for her to pass then went and sat on the couch. “I’m not seeing Kenric anymore.”

  Sara sat beside her. “Why?”

  “Because I can’t do it. I’m all wrong for this. There are just too many secrets in my life right now. I can’t tell anyone why I’m wearing new clothes because of the Black Stockings Society and I can’t tell anyone I’m seeing this great guy.”

  “Why do you feel you have to explain yourself anyway?”

  “What?”

  “Even if you weren’t following some instructions from the club, if you wanted to wear new stockings or change your hair or buy a new car you can do it without telling anyone. Why do they matter? Who are they? Are they important?”

  “No, but—”

  “And would you really drop a great guy because of what other people may or may not be thinking about you?”

  “He’ll be leaving in a couple of months.”

  “And that will be even better, then you won’t have to hide anymore. Carissa, it’s time to live your life on your terms. You don’t have to prove or explain anything. Besides, people will talk anyway.”

  “I guess I’m a little afraid because he’s good at this. Too good. What if I’m not the only one? What if he’s seeing someone else? Hell, he could be charming half the woman at the office and I’d never know.”

  Sara poked her in the arm. “You know he’s not.”

  “I’d never know anything with the mask he wears.”

  “Do you really want to break up or are you finding excuses?”

  “I told you, I’m scared.”

  “Of what?”

  “Of really falling for him.”

  Sara looked at Carissa with pity. “Don’t you know you already have?”

  Carissa covered her face. “Isn’t it awful?”

  “No, be honest with him and see where this leads.” She clapped her hands together. “Unfortunately, I can’t stay long. I came by to check on your progress with your next assignment.” She opened her cell phone then scrolled through a document. “It’s time for phase two.”

  “Phase two?”

  “Yes, dinner with the family.”

  Carissa shook her head. “No way.”

  Sara nodded then tapped the image on her cell phone screen. “It’s part of your
instructions. Just with your brother and sister-in-law, not your entire family.”

  “No. Absolutely not.”

  “This is the perfect two way approach. You will either find out how serious he is, or you’ll scare him away. You wanted someone who wasn’t ashamed of you, right?”

  Carissa sighed. Kenric already knew she’d been married twice, if meeting her family made him run, then it was for the best. “Yes.”

  “Good.” Sara pointed to an image on the screen. “And you’re going to wear these.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Dinner. She’d invited him to have dinner with her family. He was glad she’d changed her mind about them not seeing each other, but he was still surprised by the request. He knocked on the door to her apartment.

  Carissa opened it then held up her hand. “Don’t say anything, I know I look ridiculous. A friend had this crazy idea—”

  “That I like very much,” he said, letting his gaze appreciate her silk red blouse, pencil thin black leather skirt and stripped patterned dark stockings. He kissed her then handed her the colorful mixed bouquet he’d bought. “You look wonderful.”

  She took the bouquet suddenly looking shy. “Thank you,” she said, then quickly grabbed a vase and hurried into the kitchen. “But you’re early. Everything’s not ready yet.”

  He followed her into the kitchen. “I thought I could help you.”

  She fell silent for a moment, filling the sink with some tepid water then resting the stems of the bouquet inside before she started to cut the ends. “You don’t have to do anything,” she finally said.

  Kenric studied her face. She had that odd rushed look again. “Is something wrong?”

  “No. Please sit down. Do you want anything to drink?”

  “No, I told you, I came early to help.”

  “Can you chop?” She put the flowers in the vase and added the plant food that came in the small package.

  “Nope.”

  “Slice?”

  “No.”

  “Then how did you expect to help?” she asked with a note of frustration.

  He smiled. “I can set a table to military precision.”

  She pointed to a cupboard, her tone softening. “The dishes are over there.” She pointed to a drawer. “And the utensils.”

  Kenric set to work then after he was finished he stood and watched her. There was a tense energy he couldn’t understand. “So your brother’s name is Glenn,” he said resting against the counter.

  “Yes and his wife’s Lina and they’re expecting a boy next month.”

  Kenric nodded. “Are you afraid they won’t like me?”

  Carissa spun around surprised. “No. It’s just…”

  “What?” He pressed when she fell silent again.

  “You might find out a lot more about me than you want to know.”

  “I want to know everything.”

  “You may get your wish,” she said but she didn’t sound happy.

  ***

  She was surviving this, Carissa thought as she watched everyone eat. She’d survived Lina pointing to Carissa’s stockings and comparing her legs to a zebra, and even Glenn’s strange response to Kenric when he first met him. Instead of the jovial handshake, which he usually greeted strangers with, his smile froze on his face and he stared at Kenric for a second longer than normal, before recovering himself. Kenric appeared disturbed by his response, but to her relief let it pass and now they were on the main course and nothing disastrous had happened. There had been some awkward pauses, especially when Kenric admitted that the two of them had met at work, but weren’t telling anyone about their relationship until later, but overall, the conversation flowed smoothly.

  “Another masterpiece,” Kenric said setting his fork down. “She keeps me coming back for more.”

  Lina giggled. “Be careful. Carissa might try to persuade you to be her third husband.”

  Carissa shot her a glance and Glenn nudged her in warning.

  Kenric only grinned. “She won’t have to try hard.”

  Carissa stood, feeling both flattered and embarrassed at the same time. “Let me check on dessert.”

  “I’ll help you,” Glenn said. Once they were alone in the kitchen he said, “Where did you say you met this guy?”

  “At work, like he said. He’s my new boss, that’s why we’re keeping our relationship quiet for now.” She took out the lemon meringue pie.

  Glenn took out the dessert forks and dishes. “Are you sure you can trust him?”

  Carissa looked at her brother surprised by his tense tone. “If you have questions, you should be asking him not me.”

  He leaned against the counter. “I just think you’re rebounding too fast after Morris. You should give yourself some time.”

  “What don’t you like about him?”

  Glenn frowned. “I didn’t say I didn’t like him.”

  “He makes me happy and I like being with him.” She paused then said, “What was that look between you two?”

  “What look?” he said, suddenly avoiding her gaze.

  She lifted his chin, forcing him to face her. “You had an odd expression on your face when you first saw him.”

  “He’s just not what I expected for you.”

  “I know he looks mean.”

  The sound of Lina’s laughter drifted towards them.

  “And as you can see, he’s very social,” Carissa finished.

  “Hmm.”

  “Try to give him a chance.” Heaven knows I’ve given Lina plenty of them.

  “It’s just we got used to Morris—”

  “Morris is gone and you weren’t that close anyway.”

  “I mean…” He pulled on his ear, looking awkward. “Don’t you think you’re reaching a little out of your depth? Morris was quite a stretch, but this guy is on a whole new level.”

  “And you don’t think I deserve him?”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t mean that. Just that guys like him are a little savvier than you’re used to. Be careful.”

  “I am.” She picked up the pie and headed to the dining room, but something about his warning worried her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I don’t like it,” Lina said, returning to their apartment with a scowl. She sat on the couch and folded her arms. “Not one bit.”

  “You sounded like you were having a blast,” Glenn said closing the door behind them.

  “I was raised to be polite. But I still don’t like it.”

  He sat beside her. “What’s not to like?”

  “He’s not from here. What if he convinces Carissa to leave? What will happen to us?”

  “We’ll be fine.”

  “At least Morris has ties here. We don’t know anything about his family.”

  “We know that he’s rich, I thought that would make you happy.”

  She glared at him. “Are you saying that I only think about money?”

  He tenderly brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “I was just teasing, honey.”

  She pushed his hand away. “I’m serious.”

  “Carissa has a right to her own life. I thought you wanted her to be happy.”

  “I do, but something’s not right. Something’s bothering me and I don’t know what. We’re going to have to keep an eye on them.”

  “Hmm,” Glenn said trying to sound noncommittal. “I’ve got something I have to do,” he said then left, before she could complain. He went into his study and closed the door then sat behind his desk and swore. He was just as concerned as his wife, but for completely different reasons. Riverton was dangerous. He knew, because he’d met him before. He couldn’t afford Riverton remembering that meeting, however. So far, there hadn’t been any recognition on his part and maybe he never would—fifteen years was a long time—but he didn’t like dealing with maybes. He liked to know for sure. He swore, his sister seemed so happy and he didn’t want to ruin that for her, but he had a lot more on the line than she did. She hadn’t
known Riverton for long so maybe it wouldn’t last.

  He opened a drawer and took out the second cell phone his wife didn’t know about then made a call. “I need you to look into someone for me.”

  ***

  He had this strange feeling of dread that he couldn’t shake. Kenric stood in the kitchen washing dishes, although he could stack the dishwasher he found the task oddly relaxing. He kept going over the dinner in his mind. There was something familiar about Glenn. Why did he feel as if he’d met him somewhere before? Where could they have met? They certainly didn’t travel in the same circles and Glenn was years younger than him, but something bothered him. Maybe he was confusing him with someone else. That had to be it, but somehow he knew that was wrong. They had a history.

  “You didn’t like them,” Carissa said coming into the kitchen.

  He focused back on the dishes. “Why do you say that?”

  “You have your henchman look.”

  “Henchman?”

  “Never mind,’ she said with chagrin.

  He grabbed her arm. “No, tell me.”

  “Ew…you’re getting me all wet.”

  He looked down at his wet hands. “Oh sorry,” he said releasing her.

  “If you’re determined to keep washing dishes, I’ll have to pick up some plastic gloves for you.”

  He lifted a brow. “You’re changing the subject. What do you mean by ‘henchman’?”

  “When I first saw you, you reminded me of a henchman. Cold, distant and ready to perform your orders in a swift efficient manner.”

  He winced. “Well, that’s not very flattering.”

  Carissa wrapped her arms around his waist. “Fortunately, you changed my mind, but sometimes I still see that look, like now. What are you thinking? What didn’t you like?”

  “Nothing, I had a good time and the food was wonderful. I’m not sure they warmed to me, but I’m used to that.”

  “Is it me?” She let him go and looked at his profile. “Did Lina’s comment bother you?”

  He frowned. “What comment?”

  “About me wanting a third husband.”

  “Oh that.”

  “Well…” Carissa pressed when he didn’t continue.